Manor Houses & Grounds

There are literally too many beautiful houses and gardens to visit near Rushton Hall, so we have listed some of our favourites. Seasonal opening times do apply, and you’ll find some of the estates are still privately owned and lived in, so do check before you set off. We’ll be happy to share more local favourites, so just ask, and we hope you’ll enjoy our exceptional surroundings as much as we do.

For us, this is a must; just a few minutes walk through the grounds of Rushton Hall brings you to this delightful triangular building. Rushton Triangular Lodge was designed by Sir Thomas Tresham (father of one of the Gunpowder Plotters) who’s home was Rushton Hall itself.

Constructed between 1593 and 1597. It is a testament to Tresham’s Roman Catholicism: the number three, symbolising the Holy Trinity, is apparent everywhere. There are three floors, trefoil windows and three triangular gables on each side.On the entrance front is the inscription ‘Tres Testimonium Dant’ (‘there are three that give witness’), a Biblical quotation from St John’s Gospel referring to the Trinity. It is also a pun on Tresham’s name; his wife called him ‘Good Tres’ in her letters.

Multi award winning visitor attraction, and only 20 minutes away from Rushton Hall, Rockingham Castle is a lovely day out for all the family, with it’s ancient interiors and acres of manicured grounds. It also boosts an excellent restaurant serving local homemade foods.

Rockingham is remarkable castle, built on the instruction of William the Conqueror, has been my family’s home for 450 years. Prior to the Watson’s ownership the Castle was held by the crown. There are very few other homes that have been continuously occupied for nearly 1000 years and within that time been owned by just one family since being relinquished as a royal Castle.

Some 40 minutes drive from Rushton Hall, but beyond doubt, one of the most famous of English Country Estates, Althorp is home to the Spencer family, and of course Princess Diana, you be touched by the award winning exhibition, Diana: A Celebration.

Beyond the public face seen by the tens of thousands of people that visit Althorp each year, the Althorp Estate extends much further, covering 14,000 acres of beautiful countryside in Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Norfolk. This Estate encompasses cottages, farms, woodlands and villages, which combine to give a rich mix of landscapes, habitats and activities.

40 minutes drive from Rushton Hall, Burlghley House is regarded by many as the finest Elizabethan House in England,. It was built in the 16th Century by William Cecil, the first Lord Burghley. Now in the hands of Lady Victoria Leatham, this stunning house, extensive grounds and sculpture park are open to the public over the summer period.